MASTERPLAN OF THE HAKANIEMI BEACH DEVELOPMENT
Type Commission
Role Landscape architects
Client City of Helsinki
Project start 2019
Status Authorities processing
The Hakaniemi shoreline borders a set of highly diverse areas, among them the Hakaniemi Square with its rich history. With the master plan, we aim to create a distinct urban space that weaves the contrasts of the surrounding areas together to a more harmonic, inclusive, and atmospheric cityscape.
As the city centre of Helsinki is extended towards the East to the new Kalasatama neighbourhood and further on, there is an increasing need for creating new public transportation routes and fast routes for bicycling, together with a demand for recreational and accessible urban spaces. The development of the Hakaniemi Shore should be seen in relation to the Kruununvuori bridge connection and the increasing flow of pedestrians and bicycle traffic that will follow. The new landfill area will create a recreational connection between the historic Hakaniemi Square, as the urban centre of the eastern part of the central city, the future Merihaka park and the new housing areas towards the East.
Connecting the historical layers
With such an abundance of historical layers, there are many significant points of perspective to consider. The pavement of the historical Hakaniemi square with its classic red-brown cobblestones is extended to the water to connect the new and the old and ensure a natural pedestrian flow between the historic market square and the new recreational
promenade. Along the new urban promenade with its levelled terraces, the material changes close to the water, to a light coloured sculpture-like concrete material. Along these concrete surfaces, there are details of wood, steel, and planting areas inspired by the well-known details of the Hakaniemi Square.
Identity through vegetation design
The neighbouring areas offer a wide range of vegetation styles. The vegetation concept for Hakaniemi Beach use existing elements to mark where the old area ends and the new landfill begins. The classic tree rows along the new tram route clearly frame the new waterfront area, where a
new type of maritime vegetation establish a distinct atmosphere and identity. The maritime vegetation takes its inspiration from the Finnish archipelago and its bedrocks, where harsh vegetation in small cavities of the rock creates shelter from the wind.
Accessible, open and enjoyable for everyone
A high level of accessibility is composed along the new beach promenade through a systematic placement of special furniture; all equipped with arm- and backrests. Not only the main beach promenade is accessible by wheelchair one can also move closer to the shoreline; taking in the
views and closeness to the sea.
The lightning strategy of shorter lights and lights directed towards the surfaces make the beach promenade easy to navigate adding to the accessibility of the waterfront.
